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COSRX vs Elemis

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

COSRX and Elemis are distinct skincare labels, with the former being a Korean line founded in 2013 and the latter a British brand established in 1989. COSRX is beloved for its thoughtful array of serums, moisturizers, cleansers, masks, and more, which harness key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, while Elemis is celebrated for its curated formulations spanning nourishing serums, rich moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and refining toners that weave together glycerin and shea. The former suits oily skin and sensitive skin best, owing to formulations that balance moisture and soothe irritation, whereas the latter suits dry skin and mature skin best thanks to their deeply restorative qualities. Ultimately, they differ through their specific geographic origins, founding years, and targeted approaches to barrier enhancement and hydration.

COSRX is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2013 and owned by Amorepacific Group since 2024.

koreajoongangdaily.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.com

Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.

elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org

This page compares some of the most popular COSRX and Elemis products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular COSRX vs Elemis products

People Say

COSRXElemis
  • Deep hydration and moisturization Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “skin drinks it up — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
    • “woke up with soft, supple skin — COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream”
    • “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
    • “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
  • Lightweight and fast absorption Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Absorbs almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
    • “whipped silk feel — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
    • “cloud-light gel formula — Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask”
    • “absorbs instantly like water — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
  • Soothing and gentle formulation Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “No stinging or irritation — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
    • “extremely gentle — COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner”
    • “perfect for first-time retinol users — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
    • “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
  • Texture and glow improvements Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “gives me that glass skin look — COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence”
    • “skin feels softer immediately — COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum”
    • “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
    • “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
  • Acne and pore control Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “helped to improve my acne after only 2 weeks — COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser”
    • “cleared up my spots — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
    • “Melted blackheads right off — COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid”
    • “face feels super clean — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
  • Spa-like and pleasant scents Not notedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like a spa — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
    • “smells like a holiday — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
    • “smells like a tropical cocktail — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
  • Value and price concerns Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “expensive for me — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”
    • “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
  • Unpleasant scents Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like chemicals — COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser”
    • “smells like onions — COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream”
    • “smells like tea tree/medicinal — COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)”
    • “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
  • Packaging and size issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “jar looks half empty — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
    • “tube feels half empty — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
    • “pump broke quickly — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
    • “only 20mls... significantly less product — COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum”

COSRX vs Elemis routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

COSRX vs Elemis routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

COSRX vs Elemis routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Questions and answers

COSRX or Elemis: which is better?

COSRX is better for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, while Elemis excels in luxury textures and spa-like scents, though both brands offer equally high routine fits for dry, combination, mature, and dark spot-prone skin.

What is the difference between COSRX and Elemis?

COSRX is a South Korean brand founded in 2013 that focuses best on oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, while Elemis is a UK brand founded in 1989 that focuses best on dry and mature skin. The products on this page for COSRX largely avoid fragrance, whereas most Elemis products contain fragrance and feature a more luxurious experience.

COSRX or Elemis for dry skin?

Both COSRX and Elemis achieve a High Lovi fit level for dry skin. COSRX features key ingredients like Hyaluronic acid and Glycerin, while Elemis incorporates ingredients such as Glycerin and Shea butter.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Drug Delivery, 2017

COSRX or Elemis: which cleanser is better?

COSRX is better for acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin, while Elemis offers products well-suited for dry and mature skin types. COSRX focuses on gentle, soothing formulations, whereas Elemis provides a more luxurious, spa-like experience with higher price points.

Which is more affordable, COSRX or Elemis?

COSRX is more affordable, whereas Elemis reviewers mostly note a high price point. Review themes indicate that COSRX does better on value and price concerns.

How do the founding years and current parent companies of COSRX and Elemis compare?

COSRX was founded in South Korea in 2013 and is owned by Amorepacific Group, whereas Elemis was founded in the United Kingdom in 1989 and is owned by L'Occitane Group.

Which brand offers more fragrance-free options across their product line?

COSRX offers significantly more fragrance-free options across the products on this page, with 37 out of 38 listing no fragrance compared to only 4 out of 22 for Elemis.

How do the key active ingredients differ between COSRX and Elemis products?

COSRX products feature key active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and panthenol, which help with hydration and soothing care. In contrast, Elemis relies heavily on glycerin and shea butter across its formulations to provide moisturization.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

COSRX or Elemis for oily skin?

For oily skin, COSRX is a better fit with a Superior routine fit compared to Elemis, which has a High fit. Reviewers often mention COSRX for effective acne control and clearing, making it well-suited for oily skin types.

COSRX or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?

COSRX stands out with a Superior fit for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, while Elemis is best suited for dry, mature, and dry sensitive skin. Both brands offer deeply hydrating moisturizers, but COSRX is often noted for gentle formulations and effective acne control.

COSRX or Elemis for sensitive skin?

COSRX has a Superior Lovi fit level for sensitive skin, while Elemis has a High fit level. COSRX features mostly fragrance-free products on this page and is noted for gentle formulations, whereas Elemis products more frequently include fragrance.

COSRX or Elemis for acne-prone skin?

COSRX is the better choice for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior compared to Elemis at High. The products on this page help provide effective acne control and clearing.

Research behind their key ingredients

Behind this comparison

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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